Labor Unions Seek Tweaks to University Merger Bill

Labor unions representing faculty, staff and others who would be affected by an ambitious plan to overhaul higher education in New Jersey are asking that the proposal be amended.

The unions want changes to the bill that insure collective bargaining rights; limits the authority of a new Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden governing board, and offers financial protections to University Hospital in Newark to avoid layoffs.

A draft of their recommendations was obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday. But there's no word on whether changes will be made the bill before it's voted on by lawmakers.

The legislation creates a quasi-merger between Rowan and Rutgers-Camden and transfers most of the University of Medicine and Dentistry to Rutgers.

Proponents of a restructuring include Gov. Chris Christie and Democratic Party leader George Norcross III.